ROCKINGHAM PODIUM FOR MANOR AND SIMS

Today’s third round of the 2008 Formula Renault UK Championship at Rockingham saw Manor Competition make a welcome return to the podium, Alexander Sims securing an excellent third place result after climbing from sixth on the grid with a terrific drive.

The 20-year-old, from Wansford near Peterborough, produced a fantastic getaway and after passing fellow third row starter Sho Hanawa, Sims then moved inside fourth-placed team-mate Kris Loane on the run through Turn One.

Up to fourth position, the newly named MSA British Race Elite member then edged past Adriano Buzaid for third place where he would remain to the chequered flag.

For Northern Irishman Loane, the start proved to be the biggest frustration as he raced to an eventual finish of sixth place. The 19-year-old, from Kesh in Co. Fermanagh, did actually post the second fastest race lap with a time of 1m 16.778 seconds but he wasn’t quite able to mount the podium challenge he had wanted.

For Surrey-based Henry Surtees, the race marked his best result of the season with a well deserved top 10 finish, third in the Graduate Cup rankings. The 17-year-old from Lingfield initially climbed two places from his starting position of 13th with a good getaway and he lapped consistently well to achieve his first category top 10.

Manor newcomer Tom Armour, who only signed a deal with the team less than a week ago, qualified in 19th position but improved throughout the race, passing Thomas Hylkema and Jordan Oakes during the latter stages. He finished in 16th place overall, the Billericay racer’s best result since graduating to cars at the start of the year.

The fourth round of the 2008 Formula Renault UK Championship is scheduled to take place at 14.05 tomorrow, Sunday, 13th April, and is expected to be screened live on Freeview, digital satellite and cable channel ITV4.

Sims will start as the highest placed Manor driver in fourth position with Loane just behind in fifth spot, Surtees ninth on the grid and Armour lining up in 19th place.